The Cleveland Guardians haven’t received much respect from pundits this offseason. Despite the fact that they have dominated the AL Central for much of the past decade and have won the division in back-to-back years, some predictions have the Guardians falling well short of the playoffs this season.
Their potential lineup has also been ranked among the worst in baseball, even with the addition of potential power-hitting steal Rhys Hoskins. With two-time AL Manager of the Year Stephen Vogt still in charge, and one of the best collections of young talent in the game, it would be foolish to count the Guardians out.
In addition, analyst Jason Lloyd recently named five Guardians players who can be All-Stars this season: Jose Ramirez, Cade Smith, Kyle Manzardo, Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee.
“When you look at potential All-Stars, obviously it’s [Jose]. Cade Smith, that’s an easy one. Relievers, if you’re top of saves, a lot of times you go. I think Manzardo is a great pick for All-Star. Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee at the top of the rotation,” Gerstenhaber said.
A team with five All-Stars being unable to contend would seem to be unrealistic. Especially when you consider that Ramirez is recognized as the best third baseman in the game, Smith could be one of its top relievers, and Williams is expected to contend for the AL Cy Young Award.
However, of that group, only Ramirez has ever made an AL All-Star team, and he is projected to be named for the eighth time and sixth year in a row. Of the others, Smith may have the best chance at his first selection. He was excellent replacing Emmanuel Clase after the three-time All-Star closer was banished during last season because of an MLB gambling investigation.
Williams and Manzardo are coming off their first very good MLB seasons, and they will have to repeat those performances to have a chance to make the AL team. Bibee has put together three solid seasons for Cleveland, but none have reached a true All-Star-worthy level.
Interestingly, outfielder Steven Kwan was not mentioned, even though he has been an All-Star in each of the past two seasons. Perhaps that was just an oversight, or he could be getting overlooked with the arrival of top prospect Chase DeLauter.
With top-level talent at multiple positions, the Guardians look ready to prove their doubters wrong again this season.
NEXT: The Guardians’ Offense Might Be Different in 2026
